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Southeastern computer science programs accredited

HAMMOND – The two degree programs in computer science offered at Southeastern Louisiana University
have received national accreditation through September 2019.

The accreditations of the bachelor of science degree programs in computer science
and in information technology were awarded by the Computing Accreditation Commission
of ABET, formerly known as the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology.

"Accreditation means the programs meet set national standards of academic quality,
including faculty qualifications, facilities and equipment," said Daniel McCarthy,
dean of the College of Science and Technology. "It is one of the primary factors that
employers use when deciding which graduates they want to hire."

Sebastian van Delden, head of the Department of Computer Science and Industrial Technology,
said the accreditation came following an extensive self-study and a site visit by
members of the Computing Accreditation Commission's team. The team's report stated
that no deficiencies, weaknesses or concerns were found with either program.

"For a degree program to receive ABET accreditation without any reported shortcomings
whatsoever is quite remarkable and testament to the high quality of our computer science
faculty members," van Delden added.

He said the program in Information Technology – which was just elevated to a degree
program this year – is being accredited for the first time. Previously information
technology was offered only as a concentration in the computer science degree program.

"Both programs are important to the economic development and workforce needs of our
region," van Delden said. "Technology companies increasingly are moving into southeast
Louisiana, and we expect our graduates to enjoy the employment opportunities this
will generate."

More than 350 students are enrolled in the university's computer science programs,
he added.